To the outside world, especially for foreign tourists, Kerala is “ God’s Own Country ”. God made this land a heaven, with its natural scenic beauty. Secularism and democracy are prevalent here. But, if we go a little deeper, we can find wide spread anarchy due to alcohol and drug abuse, atrocities against women and children, cruelty, cheating, waywardness etc.

There are a lot of people without any means to support themselves. They cannot even afford one square meal a day. We can see many who are in the grip of deadly diseases and all their meagre savings wiped out due to costly treatment. Many among them become bankrupt during the initial stages of treatment itself. They helplessly stare into the future wondering how to feed themselves and their dear ones and find money to continue their treatment.  Few commit suicide. Rest of them are afraid to take the ultimate plunge, fearing blockage to their path to salvation. They go into old age or terminal conditions forlorn by their spouses and children. In such circumstances, “Devil’ s Asylum” is a more apt title to Kerala than the tantalizing “ God’s Own Country”.

We all have some responsibilities to our State and its people. We should be able to lend a helping hand and a hearing ear wherever required. I believe that God (whatever name you may call) prefers such activities and attitude than the offerings and prayers of his disciples. Nevertheless, people who voluntarily undertake such activities get immense satisfaction from their efforts.

It is a matter of great hope that many individuals and organizations are engaged in such line of action. We wish all success to them in their attempts. We pray that every noble venture in this world should have a motive for a good start and the right proceedings in happy notes. So all of us can hope for a good start, the right way and  glorious results so that Kerala keeps its title “ God’s Own Country ”… Always.

– Sosamma P Thomas

Author is the Managing Trustee and one of the founding members of Navakarma Charitable Trust.